DiveCodex/log

Jackson reef

Northernmost Tiran reef with Sharm's fastest drift dive, a coral aquarium at 5-12m, and seasonal hammerheads off the northern tip Aug-Oct.

Last updated April 2026

Jackson reef
© Jouni Kuisma

The dive

Rusting metal breaks the surface ahead of the boat. That is the Lara, and below it lies Jackson Reef. The dive begins at fixed moorings on the sheltered south side, where coral columns rise from a sandy plateau in the Aquarium section. This is the gentle face of Jackson: 5 to 12 metres of reef fish density that earned the name. Anthias, butterflyfish, and garden eels on the sand below keep new divers occupied.

Head north along the eastern face and everything changes. The wall steepens, gorgonian fans and black coral trees appear, and the current picks up. In strong flow, this becomes Jackson Drift. One instructor who has dived it both ways called it "a gentle potter about" on calm days and "flying over the gardens in seconds" when the current runs. Red-toothed triggerfish fill the midwater in schools thick enough to obscure the blue beyond.

At 27-28m on the eastern wall, look for a rare red anemone specimen. It is a known photography stop. From here, the wall continues deeper than recreational limits allow.

What makes it special

Jackson Reef has a split personality that no other Tiran site matches. The Aquarium section could pass for a beginner site on a windless morning. The eastern wall, minutes later, delivers the fastest drift dive in the Sharm area. Few sites offer both extremes on a single dive.

Then there are the hammerheads. From August to October, divers descend off the northern tip into open blue water at 30m or deeper, scanning below for schooling scalloped hammerheads. This is a different dive entirely: no reef reference, strong current, and no guarantee of a sighting. It requires experience and a willingness to push limits safely.

Know before you go

Conditions at Jackson change fast. A dive that starts calm at the southern moorings can become a strong drift by the time you reach the east wall. Carry a DSMB and be ready to deploy it. Only round the eastern point if your guide agrees beforehand.

The "washing machine" between Jackson and Woodhouse reefs produces dangerous eddies in strong wind. If your guide says the conditions are marginal, trust that assessment. Nitrox is worth having for the deeper wall sections. Budget 45-60 minutes, but air management matters more than the clock here.

Why Dive Jackson reef

What makes this dive site stand out.

  1. 1
    Sharm's fastest drift

    Eastern wall current creates the area's most exhilarating drift dive when running

  2. 2
    Seasonal hammerheads

    Scalloped hammerhead schools off the northern tip, Aug to Oct, at 30m+ in blue water

  3. 3
    The Aquarium section

    Sheltered south side coral garden at 5-12m, accessible to Open Water divers in calm conditions

  4. 4
    Lara wreck landmark

    Rusting remains of a 1981 Cypriot freighter mark the reef's northern edge above and below water

  5. 5
    Dense midwater shoals

    Clouds of red-toothed triggerfish and bannerfish fill the water column along the wall

Depth & Profile

5m
Min depth
40m
Max depth
15–30m
Typical range
ReefWallDriftCoralSand

Location

28.0058°N, 34.4713°E

Conditions

Temperature
19°C – 29°C
Visibility
20–30m
Current
variable

Difficulty & Certification

AdvancedMin cert: AOWNitrox recommended

Southern Aquarium is moderate in calm conditions. Eastern wall drift and northern tip currents are advanced. Conditions change during a single dive.

Regulations

Marine reservePermit required

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see hammerheads at Jackson Reef?▾
August through October is the hammerhead season. Divers swim off the northern tip into blue water at 30m or deeper, looking for schooling scalloped hammerheads below. Sightings are not guaranteed. AOW certification is the minimum, and a DSMB is essential given the currents.
Is Jackson Reef suitable for Open Water divers?▾
The southern Aquarium section is accessible to competent OW divers in calm conditions with guide supervision. Depths there range from 5 to 12m with sheltered water. The eastern wall drift and hammerhead dives are advanced territory and require AOW.
What is the Jackson Drift like?▾
When the current runs along the eastern wall, Jackson Drift is described as Sharm's fastest and most exhilarating drift dive. Divers fly past gorgonians, black coral, and dense fish shoals. Speed and intensity depend on the day. A DSMB and prior briefing with your guide are essential.
What is the Lara wreck on Jackson Reef?▾
The Lara was a Cypriot merchant vessel that ran aground on Jackson's northern edge in December 1981 after running out of fuel. Most of the hull was salvaged for scrap and further demolished in 1996. Today the rusting skeletal remains serve as a navigation marker and a visual landmark during safety stops.
How do I get to Jackson Reef from Sharm El Sheikh?▾
Jackson Reef is in the Straits of Tiran, a 1-2 hour boat ride from Sharm. Access is by day boat or liveaboard only. Weather is the gatekeeper: prevailing north winds can close the entire Tiran sector to boats on rough days.
How does Jackson Reef compare to other Tiran reefs?▾
Jackson is the northernmost of four Tiran reefs. It stands out for the fastest drift dive in Sharm, the Aquarium coral garden, and seasonal hammerheads. Gordon Reef offers the easiest diving and night dives. Thomas Reef has a longer continuous wall. All four share similar marine life but each has a distinct personality.
What marine life will I see at Jackson Reef?▾
Year-round residents include red-toothed triggerfish in dense midwater schools, bannerfish, barracuda, Napoleon wrasse, groupers, and lionfish. A rare red anemone at 27-28m on the eastern wall is a photography target. In summer, hammerheads are the draw. Sea turtles and reef sharks are possible but not common.

Photos

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